Canada’s Aging Population
Government
of Canada
Gouvernement
du Canada
Canada's Aging Population
Canada’s Aging Population
A report prepared by
Health Canada in collaboration
with the Interdepartmental Committee
on Aging and Seniors Issues.
Canada's Aging Population
Additional copies of this publication are available from:
Division of Aging and Seniors
Health Canada
Address Locator: 1908A1
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 1B4
Telephone: (613) 952-7606
Fax: (613) 957-9938
E-mail: [email protected]
This publication is on the Division’s Internet site from which it can be
downloaded: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/seniors-aines. It can also be made
available in alternative formats on request.
© Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada 2002
Cat. H39-608/2002E
ISBN 0-662-31821-8
Cette publication est également disponible en français sous le titre :
Vieillir au Canada
Canada's Aging Population
Contents
1
Canada’s Aging Population
Introduction
3
Seniors in Canada – At a Glance
Who are Canada’s seniors?
9 The health of older Canadians
12 Financial security in later life
15 The participation of older Canadians in society
17 Independence and quality of life
19 Federal Action on Aging
The federal context
23 Income and labour force issues
26 Health
30 Supports to independence and quality of life
33 Aboriginal seniors
34 Veterans
35 Conclusion
36 End Notes
37 Sources
41 Appendix 1
Sources for the graphs
43 Appendix 2
Federal resources on aging and seniors
Canada's Aging Population
Canada’s Aging Population
Introduction
The Second World Assembly on Ageing (April 2002) provides an opportunity
for all the countries of the world to come together to reflect on the impact
of aging not only on individual nations but also globally. It is an opportunity
to celebrate the enormous gains in longevity witnessed in the twentieth
century and to anticipate the challenges of the new millennium. Canada is
positioned well to respond to these challenges and its federal government
remains committed to building a strong society for all ages.
At the start of this new century, Canada faces significant aging of its population
as the proportion of seniors increases more rapidly than all other age groups.
In 2001, one Canadian in eight was aged 65 years or over. By 2026, one
Canadian in five will have reached age 65.
Population aging is a complex issue that concerns not only the well-being
of today’s older Canadians but also broader areas and sectors affecting the total
population, such as health, labour markets and public finances. It affects and
engages communities, all levels of government and all sectors of society.
The challenges of an aging Canadian society will require continued efforts to:
• improve health, well-being and independence in later life;
• facilitate the participation of older Canadians in economic
and social life;
• strengthen the supportive environments within communities; and,
• sustain government programs benefiting Canadians of all ages.
Canada’s seniors are a diverse population. Issues related to their overall
health and well-being may vary depending on their place of residence
(urban, rural, or northern areas), their gender, their ethnocultural
background as well as if they are among Canada’s Aboriginal peoples.
The federal response to population aging recognizes and responds to
this diversity through a wide range of policy and program initiatives.
1
Canada's Aging Population
This document is intended to provide an overview of population aging in
Canada and of the major issues that must be addressed as both the number
and the proportion of seniors increase in Canadian society. It also provides
information on how the federal government is responding to these issues.
The first section of the document presents statistical information on seniors
in Canada, outlining the characteristics and diversity of Canada’s older population, while the second section describes a number of the key steps being
taken by the Canadian federal government in collaboration with partners to
address important aging issues.
2
Canada's Aging Population
Seniors in Canada – At a Glance
Who are Canada’s seniors?
Demographic profile of Canada’s aging population
Seniors* constitute the fastest growing population group in Canada. In 2001,
it was estimated that 3.92 million Canadians were 65 years of age or older, a
figure that is two thirds more than in 1981. During the same period, the overall
Canadian population increased by only one quarter. The proportion of seniors
in the overall population has gone from one in twenty in 1921, to one in eight
in 2001. As the “baby boomers” (born between 1946 and 1965) age, the seniors
population is expected to reach 6.7 million in 2021 and 9.2 million in 2041
(nearly one in four Canadians). In fact, the growth of the seniors population
will account for close to half of the growth of the overall Canadian population
in the next four decades.
The fastest growth in the seniors population is occurring among the oldest
Canadians. In 2001, over 430,000 Canadians were 85 years of age or older –
more than twice as many as in 1981, and more than twenty times as many
as in 1921. The proportion of Canadians aged 85 or more is expected to grow
to 1.6 million in 2041 – 4% of the overall population. (See Chart 1 below.)
Chart 1
Seniors by age sub-groups, as % of the total population, Canada, 1921-2041
25%
85+
75-84
65-74
20%
15%
10%
5%
Year
1921 1931 1941 1951 1961 1971 1981 1991 2001 2011 2021 2031 2041
Source: See Appendix 1
* Please note that in this document, the terms “senior” and “older Canadian” refer to adults 65 years
of age or more.
3
Canada's Aging Population
One of the main causes of the aging of the Canadian population is the change in
fertility rates since 1945. The fertility rate was three children or more per woman
from the mid-1940s to the mid-1960s. It then fell rapidly, and has remained
below the rate for natural replacement of the population for the last thirty years.
The current fertility rate of 1.5 child per woman is expected to remain relatively
constant for coming decades. This phenomenon accounts for a notable “bulge” in
the population of baby boomers, who by virtue of their numbers, will influence
Canadian society for many years to come. (See Chart 2 below.)
Chart 2
Population by age and sex, Canada, 2001 and 2041
2041
2001
Men
Women
Age
100+
95
90
85
80
75
70
65
60
55
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
10
8
6
4
2
0
0
Proportion (per 1,000)
Source: See Appendix 1
4
2
4
6
8
10
PYR SYS version 5
Canada's Aging Population
Another key factor in population aging is the increase in life expectancy.
In 1997, life expectancy at birth for Canadians reached 75.8 years for men
and 81.4 years for women. Life expectancy at birth is expected to continue
to grow, albeit more slowly, reaching 81 years for men and 86 years for
women in 2041. (See Chart 3 below.)
While the aging of the Canadian population will be significant, the proportion of seniors in Canada is currently less than in many other industrialized
countries. This situation allows Canada the time to prepare for the coming
increase in its own seniors population. In coming decades however, Canada’s
population is expected to age more rapidly than that of other industrialized
countries as the large cohort of baby boomers has an impact. For example,
the proportion of seniors in the overall population in Canada should be
nearly the same as in the United Kingdom by 2030, despite being one fifth
less in 2000.1
Geographic variations across Canada
There are notable variations in the aging of the population across Canada.
In 2001, the proportion of seniors varied among provinces and territories
from a low of 2.6% in Nunavut to a high of 14.6% in Saskatchewan. Still,
five out of six Canadian seniors live in Canada’s four most populated provinces: Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, and Alberta. Like the rest of
Canada’s population, the majority of seniors – approximately three out
of four – live in a metropolitan or urban area. (See Chart 4 and 5 on
page 7.)
Chart 3
Life expectancy at birth is increasing in Canada
Men
Women
Age
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
Year
1921 1931 1941 1951 1961 1971 1981 1991 2001 2011 2021 2031 2041
Source: See Appendix 1
5
Canada's Aging Population
If current trends continue over the next decades, all provinces will see
significant increases in their senior population. Meanwhile, the seniors
population of Canada’s three northern territories will almost triple.
Senior women and senior men
Women form the majority of the Canadian seniors population (56% in
2001) and their proportion increases with age. In 2001, women made up
60% of seniors aged 75 to 84, and 70% of seniors aged 85 or older.
While the majority of seniors are married (56% in 1996), nearly one third
are widowed, and there are marked differences in marital status between the
genders. In 1996, three quarters of senior men were married compared to
41.4% of women, while 46% of senior women were widowed compared
to 12.7% of senior men. These differences become even more pronounced
in older age groups.
Aboriginal seniors
Seniors make up a relatively small proportion of Canada’s Aboriginal
population (in 1996, only 3.5% of the reported Aboriginal population
were seniors). However, Aboriginal seniors are living longer, and their
population is growing significantly – the number of Aboriginal seniors
is expected to triple between 1996 and 2016.
At the same time, the average life expectancy of Aboriginal people remains
significantly lower than the Canadian average. Also, among Aboriginal
seniors, the prevalence (self-reported) of certain chronic conditions such
as heart problems, hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis is often double
or triple the rate reported by Canadian seniors overall.2
Ethnocultural seniors
An estimated one in four Canadian seniors was born outside of Canada.
However, most immigrated to Canada when they were children or young
adults. In 1996, three out of five seniors born outside of Canada had arrived
in Canada more than 35 years earlier. A small percentage of immigrants
arriving in Canada each year are seniors (3% in 1997).
While almost all seniors can speak one or both of Canada’s official
languages, in 1996, 4% could speak neither. Among seniors, women
are somewhat more likely than men to be unable to speak either English
or French. In 1996, 5.2% of senior women, versus 3.5% of their male
counterparts, were unable to converse in either official language.
6
Canada's Aging Population
Percentage of seniors in each Canadian province and territory
Chart 4
2000
Yukon
5.4%
Northwest
Territories
4.1%
British
Columbia
13.0%
Nunavut
2.6%
Alberta
Manitoba
10.1% Saskatchewan 13.5%
14.4%
Newfoundland
and Labrador
11.6%
Ontario
12.6%
Quebec
12.8%
Prince
New
Edward
Brunswick Island
12.9%
13.1%
Chart 5
2021
Yukon
14.5%
Nova Scotia
13.2%
Northwest
Territories
11.0%
British
Columbia
18.8%
Nunavut
7.2%
Alberta
Manitoba
17.1% Saskatchewan 18.8%
19.5%
Source: See Appendix 1
Newfoundland
and Labrador
22.5%
Ontario
17.7%
Quebec
21.0%
Nova Scotia
21.3%
Prince
New
Edward
Brunswick Island
22.2%
19.9%
7
Canada's Aging Population
Veterans
War Service Veterans (veterans of the First World War, the Second World
War or the Korean conflict) account for a significant segment of the seniors
population. In Canada, approximately one senior in ten is a war service
veteran, with one in five senior men having served in wartime. Nevertheless,
the veteran population is aging and declining in size. The average age of
veterans in 2001 was 78. The total war service veteran population of nearly
357,000 in 2001 is projected to decrease by nearly 30% from 2001 to 2005.
8
Canada's Aging Population
The health of older Canadians
Health status
Canadians generally live their later years in good health. In 1997, more
than three quarters of seniors living at home viewed their health as good,
very good or excellent, while only 6% reported their health as poor. This
is true for all senior age groups; good health was reported by eight of
ten seniors aged 65 to 74, and seven of ten seniors aged 85 or more.
(See Chart 6 below.)
Nonetheless, more than one in four seniors face restrictions in their activities
due to long-term health problems. Such limitations tend to increase with
age. In 1996-97, activity limitations affected slightly more than one fifth of
seniors aged 65 to 74, but nearly half of seniors aged 85 or more.
Heart disease and cancer account for the majority of deaths among both
senior men and senior women, albeit with much higher rates among senior
men. In recent decades, there has been a notable decline in the rate of mortality from heart disease among seniors; however, rates for cancer and respiratory diseases increased during the same period. (See Chart 7 on page 10.)
Chart 6
Most Canadian seniors* rate their health positively, 1996-1997
Poor
6%
Fair
Excellent
12%
Poor 6%
Fair 16%
16%
Good 38%
Very good 28%
28% Very good
Good
Excellent 12%
38%
*
Seniors living in private households only.
Source: See Appendix 1
9
Canada's Aging Population
Chart 7
Death rates among seniors from selected causes, Canada, 1980 and 1996
1980
1996
Deaths per 100,000 population
2,500
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
0
Heart
Disease
Cancer
Strokes
Respiratory
Disease
Chronic Liver
Disease
and Cirrhosis
Source: See Appendix 1
Chronic conditions and disabilities
Despite reporting good health, more than four out of five seniors living at
home suffer from a chronic health condition, this proportion being slightly
higher among senior women than senior men. The most common chronic
health problems reported by seniors are arthritis and rheumatism, followed
by high blood pressure, allergies, back problems, chronic heart problems,
cataracts and diabetes. (See Chart 8 on page 11.)
In addition, one in four Canadian seniors has a long-term disability or
handicap (1997 numbers). The proportion rises sharply with age: 45% of
those aged 85 and over had a disability or handicap versus 28% of those
aged 75-85 and 21% of those aged 65-74.
While senior women live longer than senior men, it is estimated that only
one quarter to one third of these extra years are spent free from disability.
Injuries
Injuries among seniors are a key concern, because of the sharp increase with
age in the rate of injuries and injury-related deaths. In 1996-97, seniors
aged 85 and over were 70% more likely than seniors aged 65 to 74 to suffer
an injury that limited their activities. Senior women are nearly 60% more
likely than senior men to suffer an injury. Falls are the main cause. In the
10
Canada's Aging Population
late 1990s, falls were responsible for 65% of injuries, 84% of injury-related
hospital admissions, and 58% of injury-related deaths among the seniors
population.3 The total health care costs due to seniors’ falls are estimated
at $1 billion annually.4
Health care utilization
As they get older, people tend to develop health problems that cause them to
increase their use of health services. Almost all seniors consult a health professional during a given year. For example, in 1996-97, 96% of seniors living
at home saw at least one health professional (89% of seniors consulted a family doctor). The great majority of seniors use prescription or over-the-counter
medication. In 1997, 84% of seniors reported taking some medication in a
two-day period, with 56% reporting taking two or more medications.
Seniors are generally far more likely to be hospitalized than Canadians from
other age groups and hospitalization rates increase with age in later life. The
hospital stay of seniors also tends to be longer than for younger people with
senior women staying in hospital longer than senior men. (See Chart 9 on
page 12.)
Chart 8
Chronic conditions reported by Canadian seniors*, 1996-1997
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
Arthritis
High Blood
Rheumatism Pressure
Allergies
Back
Problems
Heart
Disease
Cataracts
Diabetes
* Seniors living in private households only.
Source: See Appendix 1
11
Canada's Aging Population
Chart 9
Hospitalizations by age groups, Canada, 1996-1997
Men
Women
Rate per 100,000 population
50,000
40,000
30,000
20,000
10,000
Age
45-64
65-74
75+
Source: See Appendix 1
Financial security in later life
Income in later life
Recent statistics indicate that Canadian seniors have an average income
of more than $21,000 per year, but have a lower income than adults in
other age groups. However, this must be balanced against the often lower
expenses of seniors, many of whom have paid their mortgages and finished
raising their children. Moreover, seniors’ incomes have grown faster than
that of other adults in the last two decades. Accounting for the effects of
inflation, the average income of seniors rose 22% between 1981 and 1998,
compared to only 2% for Canadians aged 16 to 64. This increase in income
is largely the result of the maturation of the public pension system and the
increasing importance of the private retirement income system.
Approximately three quarters of the income of seniors comes from the
public retirement income system (the Old Age Security program and the
Canada/Quebec Pension Plans) and from private retirement pensions,
including employer-sponsored registered pension plans (RPPs) and individual
registered retirement savings plans (RRSPs). The composition of income
12
Canada's Aging Population
has changed greatly in the last two decades; between 1981 and 1998, the
proportion of income that seniors derived from work-related pensions and
RRSPs more than doubled, the proportion of income from Canada/Quebec
Pension Plans rose considerably, while the proportion of income from Old
Age Security fell.
Different groups of seniors rely more or less heavily on different income
sources. For example, the Old Age Security program is the largest source
of income for senior women, while private employment-related retirement
pensions and RRSPs contribute the most to the income of senior men. As
well, seniors with lower income rely more on the public retirement income
system than do seniors with higher income. (See Chart 10 below.)
Chart 10
Canadian senior men and women have different sources of income, 1997
Men
Women
40%
35%
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
Wages
and
salaries
Investment
income
RRSPs
Old Age
Security
C/QPP
Other
gov.
transfers
Private Other income
pension
Source: See Appendix 1
13
Canada's Aging Population
Seniors with low income
Over the last two decades, the rate of low income among Canada’s seniors has
declined appreciably. While in 1980, 21% of seniors had after-tax incomes below
Statistics Canada’s Low Income Cut-off line (LICO)*, this figure had fallen to 8%
by 1999.** From a relative perspective, low income rates among Canadian
seniors are among the lowest in all countries of the Organization for Economic
Co-operation and Development (OECD).5 Those seniors who do fall below the
LICO experience less poverty depth (that is, require less additional income to
raise their household income to the LICO) than do other age groups.
However, certain groups of seniors remain at greater risk for low income. Unattached seniors, particularly women, are more likely to experience low income than
are seniors in families. For senior women, this reflects the fact that historically
they had less labour force attachment and lower wages than men. It is anticipated
that the improvements seen in the low income situation of senior women will
continue, given their increased labour force participation. (See Chart 11 below.)
Chart 11
Fewer Canadian seniors are living in poverty , 1980-1999
Incidence of low income (%)
Unattached women
Unattached men
Seniors in economic families
60%
45%
30%
15%
Year
1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
Based on after-tax Low Income Cut-off lines.
Source: See Appendix 1
* Families and individuals are classified as having low income if they spend, on average, at least
20% more of their income than the Canadian average on food, shelter and clothing. The number
of people in the family and the size of the community where the family resides are also taken into
consideration. However, LICOs are not recognized by the federal government as official poverty lines.
** Seniors also fare well compared to other demographic subgroups, e.g. in 1999 the low income rate for
unattached individuals under age 65 was 33% (Source: Statistics Canada. Income in Canada 1999).
14
Canada's Aging Population
The participation of older Canadians in society
Work and retirement in later life
While the great majority of Canadian seniors are retired, some do participate
in the paid workforce. In 1998, 6% of all seniors were employed outside the
home, down from 9% in 1976. Among this age group, individuals with a
university degree had an employment rate of about 15%, while those with
0-8 years of education had an employment rate of approximately 3%. The
majority of employed seniors are men; the proportion of senior men with
paid employment is three times that of senior women (10% vs. 3% in 1998).
In the future, seniors will be a much larger potential source of labour force
participants.
In 1998, more than three of five employed seniors were either self-employed
or persons who worked without pay in family farms or businesses. A large
number of employed seniors work on a part-time basis – 41% of working
seniors in 1998. Many seniors also return to paid work following an initial
retirement; in 1994, 13% of Canadian retirees reported that they had returned
to paid work following initial retirement, mostly on a part-time basis.
Chart 12
Length of time spent in retirement is growing
in Canada, 1960-1995
Years in retirement
Years in employment
Years not in work
Years before the labour market
90
Men
Women
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
1960
1970
1980
1990
1995
1960
1970
1980
1990
1995
Age
Source: See Appendix 1
15
Canada's Aging Population
A trend that Canada shares with many industrialized countries is that of
earlier retirement. Between 1976 and 1996, the median age of retirement
declined by 3 years for men (from 64.5 to 61) and by 5 years for women
(from 65 to 60). (See Chart 12 on page 15.) Canadians retire for a number
of reasons. In 1994, 23% of retiring Canadians did so because they wished
to, while 24% retired due to health reasons, 14% due to mandatory retirement policies, 10% due to unemployment, and 7% due to an early
retirement package.
Volunteering
Many Canadian seniors stay active in their communities by volunteering;
nearly one quarter (23%) of seniors participated in volunteer activities in
1997. Seniors are somewhat less likely than adults in other age groups to
participate in volunteer activities, in great part due to health limitations.
However, senior volunteers contribute more time to such activities than
people in other age groups – 44% more time than volunteers aged
25 to 44. The contributions of seniors are vital to Canada’s volunteer
sector, notably to a wide variety of community organizations including
those created by and for seniors. The value of the unpaid assistance
provided by seniors is quite substantial. In 1992, it was estimated that
seniors contributed unpaid help worth $5.5 billion, or $1650 per senior.6
Education and lifelong development
Seniors have, on average, lower levels of formal education than younger
Canadian adults. For example, in 1996, six out of ten seniors had never
completed high school, with more than one third of seniors having no
secondary education. Partly as a result of this, many seniors have limited
literacy skills; in 1994, more than half of Canadian seniors were estimated
by a literacy test to be able to perform only simple reading tasks. However,
seniors of tomorrow will have completed higher levels of formal education
than those of today. In addition, a large number of Canadian seniors are
enrolled in some kind of educational program – nearly 100,000 seniors
in 1997.
Seniors are also adopting new technologies. A growing number of seniors
have a computer at home and the proportion of senior households with
access to the Internet is rapidly increasing, almost doubling between 1997
and 1999. Still, the proportion of senior households with a computer is
well below than that of households headed by a non-senior.
16
Canada's Aging Population
Independence and quality of life
Housing
The majority of seniors in Canada enjoy good housing. In 1996, nearly
three quarters of the households headed by a senior reported living in housing that met or exceeded Canada’s housing standards. This means that their
housing was in adequate condition, requiring no major repairs; suitable in
size to meet their needs; and affordable, consuming less than 30% of their
total before-tax household income.
In 1996, 93% of all seniors resided in private households. Of these seniors,
69% lived with their families (either as family heads or spouses, or in a
minority of instances, as members of their extended families), 2% lived
with non relatives, and 29% lived alone.
Most Canadian seniors live in single-detached houses. Of the 3.2 million
seniors living in private households in 1996, 61% lived in single-detached
houses; 28% lived in apartments; 10% lived in other multiple dwellings
such as semi-detached houses and townhouses; and 1% lived in movable
dwellings such as mobile homes.
In 1997, over two thirds of senior households owned their home, a proportion higher than for households headed by people under the age of 45.
Seniors living in a family are more likely to be homeowners than seniors
living alone (84% vs. 50% in 1997). Seniors represent the age group most
likely to be mortgage-free homeowners; in 1997, more than five out of
six senior homeowners had paid off their mortgages.
Nearly one senior in three is a renter. In 1997, nearly half of seniors living
alone rented their dwelling, compared to one sixth of families headed by
a senior.
Generally, for senior households who rent, the proportion of total income
devoted to rent is higher than it is in the rest of the population.
17
Canada's Aging Population
Caregiving and social supports
The majority of seniors receive some help with housework, personal chores
or health-related home care services. Senior women are more likely than
men to be recipients of home-based support. More than half the 2.1 million
informal caregivers in Canada in 1996 were adult children providing care to
their parents or parents-in-law.7
In 1996, five out of six seniors received some form of assistance in this area,
mostly from family members or friends. However, a number of seniors with
health problems also receive support from a home care service – one in ten
seniors in 1997. Older seniors, and notably older senior women, are most
likely to receive assistance from home care. Seniors are more likely to receive
housekeeping assistance from home care services than other adults accessing
such services.
Seniors contribute widely to informal social support activities. These include
visiting other seniors, helping with shopping, transportation, housework and
household maintenance. Nearly 60% of senior women and men participated
in these types of activities outside their homes in 1997. Many seniors spend
considerable time providing such support; for example, in 1996, 7% of
seniors spent five or more hours per week on child care activities, and
another 7% spent five or more hours helping other seniors.
Seniors are also the beneficiaries of these social supports. In 1996, 84% of
all people aged 65 and over received some kind of assistance of this nature.
Senior women were more likely to receive emotional support and to have
someone check up on their well-being while senior men were more likely
than their female counterparts to get help with housework.
18
Canada's Aging Population
Federal Action on Aging
The federal context
The Canadian federation
To improve the quality of life of Canadians, governments at all levels
introduced in the last century a host of programs in areas such as income
security, health, social services, and housing. The development and delivery
of these programs follow the division of legislative powers and responsibilities between the federal and provincial governments set out in the Canadian
Constitution – originally formulated in the British North America Act of
1867, and recast in the Constitution Act of 1982. Both these Acts generally
assign matters of broad national interest to the federal government and matters of a local or particular nature to the provincial governments, which may
delegate some powers to municipalities. This sharing of powers requires
close co-operation between the federal government and provincial governments to ensure effective policies, increase efficiency, minimize duplication
and control costs, while respecting the legislative jurisdiction of each level
of government.
In February 1999, agreement on a framework to improve the social union for
Canadians was reached between the federal government and the governments
of the provinces and territories. This framework is based upon a mutual
respect between orders of government and a willingness to work more closely
together to meet the needs of Canadians.
19
Canada's Aging Population
Federal government involvement in aging issues
In the federal Cabinet, the Minister of Health is assigned the responsibilities
of Minister Responsible for Seniors. In addition, many portfolios have substantial responsibilities concerning seniors. In 1980, the federal government
created the National Advisory Council on Aging to advise the Minister of
Health on issues related to the aging of the Canadian population and the
quality of life of seniors. Among its functions, the Council reviews the needs
and problems of seniors, recommends remedial action and stimulates public
discussion on aging.
Federal departments and agencies involved in aging policies and programs
include:
• the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, for research, innovation
and information on seniors’ housing, and for social housing contributions
and renovation programs.
• Health Canada, for health promotion programming targeting seniors,
and for monitoring and research on issues affecting the health of seniors,
Canada’s health care system, and First Nations and Inuit health.
• Human Resources Development Canada, for public retirement income
programs providing pensions and benefits, for literacy and lifelong
learning programs, and for support for volunteers and older workers.
• Industry Canada, for research on and promotion of industries and
services devices which help seniors live more independently, such
as assistive technologies.
• Statistics Canada, for demographic and social science research on the
aging Canadian population.
• Status of Women Canada, for research and information on senior
women’s issues.
• Veterans Affairs Canada, for health care programs and caregiver support
programs; and for disability pensions and income support programs for eligible
veterans and their survivors.
20
Canada's Aging Population
Other departments consider the needs of older Canadians within their
broader mandates. For example, the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency
(CCRA) has a Seniors Advisory Committee to help it serve older Canadian
clients more effectively. Other federal departments and agencies whose
broader mandate affects seniors and aging issues include the Canadian
Human Rights Commission, the Canadian Transportation Agency, the
Department of Canadian Heritage, the Department of Finance, Indian and
Northern Affairs Canada, the Department of Justice, Environment Canada,
National Archives of Canada, National Film Board of Canada, Public
Works and Government Services Canada, Solicitor General of Canada,
and Transport Canada.
Federal/provincial/territorial collaboration
Federal and provincial/territorial governments are working together under
the leadership of the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible
for Seniors to respond collaboratively to cross-cutting issues related to aging
and to identify shared priorities across governments. Key aging issues such
as safety and security, informal caregiving and use of technology have been
examined.
In 1998, the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors
approved the National Framework on Aging to assist them in responding to
the needs of an aging population.8 The Framework facilitates the application
of a “seniors lens” to government initiatives at all levels, ensuring that the
perspectives and needs of seniors are considered.
The Framework has as its core, a shared vision statement and a set of principles that seniors and governments across Canada endorse.* The vision states
that: “Canada, a society for all ages, promotes the well-being and contributions of older people in all aspects of life, promotes the well-being of seniors,
recognizes their valuable contributions and reflects the goals of elimination
of ageism in all sectors.” The principles for the Framework – dignity,
independence, participation, fairness, and security – guide the actions
by which its vision will be achieved, and reflect the core values of seniors
inherent in the vision statement.
* Quebec did not participate in the elaboration of the National Framework on Aging. It indicated that it
supports the Vision and Principles put forth by other governments, but that it intends to assume full
responsibility for the entire range of activities pertaining to health and social services.
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Canada's Aging Population
A companion piece to the Framework is the Seniors Policies and Programs
Database which provides up-to-date information on policies and programs
across the country that relate to seniors in areas such as health, social
housing, income support, programs and information services.9
Other federal/provincial/territorial fora in areas of health and social
services and status of women examine issues related to aging and seniors
within their sectors.
Sustainability of public finances
The federal government currently spends over $27 billion dollars* on issues
related to seniors, a significant outlay of total annual federal expenditures.
In addition, in 2001-02, the government will transfer an estimated $34.6B
to the provinces under the Canada Health and Social Transfer (CHST).
The CHST is a block fund dedicated to providing financial assistance to
provinces to use at their discretion for health care (including health care
for seniors), post-secondary education and social programs.
The aging of Canada’s population will cause escalating pressures on public
expenditures in the areas of health care and old age security, while potentially
slowing the growth of the labour force, reducing the growth of the economy,
and limiting the growth in government revenues. However, pressures from
an aging society will also emerge relatively slowly, enabling governments
to plan and prepare in advance. Still, this adaptation will not be easy as
shifts in demographics will necessitate difficult decisions regarding shifts
in expenditures.10
In the last decade, the federal government has taken measures to balance
its budget and reduce the federal debt. The implications of population aging
have been reviewed by many experts in recent years and there is general
agreement that Canada can manage the financial issues associated with the
aging of its population, assuming the continuation of existing economic and
expenditure trends.
* This figure is based on estimated annual federal expenditures for the Old Age Security program.
It also includes the estimated expenditures of a number of federal programs related to aging and
seniors. It does not, however, include annual expenditures under the Canada Pension Plan which
are based on employer and employee contributions and investment earnings.
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Canada's Aging Population
Income and labour force issues
Canada’s retirement income system
Canada’s multi-level retirement income system balances public and private
retirement benefits. It guarantees a minimum income for all seniors and is
intended to allow Canadians to avoid serious disruptions in living standards
upon retirement.
The first level is the public Old Age Security (OAS) program, which provides
a basic pension (adjusted for inflation) to virtually everyone over 65 years of age
who has lived in Canada for a required length of time. The OAS program
includes the income-tested Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), which
provides extra money to OAS recipients who have little or no other income, and
the Allowance, which pays benefits to low-income spouses/partners of an OAS
pensioner, or widows/widowers, between the ages of 60 and 64. Annual OAS
program expenditures are $25 billion (2.3% of Gross Domestic Product, or GDP)
in 2001-02.
The earnings-based Canada and Quebec Pension Plans (C/QPP) are the second
level. They provide a retirement pension to persons who have contributed to the
Plan, as early as age 60*. These Plans also offer disability, survivors’ and death
benefits as well as inflation protection and full portability from job to job.
Annual C/QPP program expenditures (2002) are $26.4 billion (2.4% of GDP).
The first and second levels, which make up Canada’s public retirement
income system, provide a base for the third level of Canada’s retirement
income system: occupational or employer-sponsored pension plans (RPPs),
registered retirement savings plans (RRSPs), and deferred profit sharing plans
(DPSPs). The federal government provides tax assistance on savings in
RPPs, RRSPs and DPSPs, up to specified limits. The tax owing on the contributions and investment income in these plans is deferred until the savings
are withdrawn or received as pension income. This tax assistance encourages
and assists Canadians to save privately for retirement. In addition to retirement income generated from these registered plans, seniors also derive
income from other private savings and assets. As noted earlier, the tax-assisted
private pension system accounts for an increasingly large share of retirement
income system payments to seniors.
* Individuals taking early CPP benefits have their benefits actuarially adjusted, as do those who choose
to postpone benefit receipt beyond age 65.
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Canada's Aging Population
The Government of Canada has undertaken several initiatives that may assist
Canadians to prepare better for retirement. For example, it has undertaken
an information initiative to help Canadians understand the role of public
pensions within the retirement income system, have confidence in them,
and take action towards their personal retirement goals.
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
has applauded the basic strength of Canada's retirement income system,
particularly its effective mix of public and private elements which provides
not only fiscal stability, but also multiple sources of income for retirees and
greater ability to weather changes in economic and demographic conditions.
The OECD rates the Canadian system well in terms of income adequacy,
equity and affordability.5
Reform of the public pension system
In the 1990s, federal and provincial governments recognized that the aging
of Canadian society would put pressure on the Canada Pension Plan, and
so undertook significant reforms to ensure the Plan’s long-term sustainability.
These reforms, which included accelerating higher contribution rates, a new
investment strategy and benefit measures to reduce the growth in benefit
expenditures, ensured that the Plan would be financially sustainable and
affordable, able to meet current and future obligations without imposing an
overly onerous burden on contributors. The reforms also sought to ensure
that the Plan would be fair across generations.
In the 18th CCP Actuarial Report (December 2001), Canada’s Chief Actuary
confirmed the future sustainability of the Plan. According to the Report,
CPP assets are projected to grow in coming years, allowing the Plan to
absorb almost any unforeseen economic or demographic fluctuation, and
ensuring that the Plan will be able to meet its future obligations under
currently legislated contribution rates.
24
Canada's Aging Population
Participation in the labour force
Demographic changes in Canada will have important impacts on the
composition of tomorrow’s workforce. Participation in the paid workforce
currently diminishes markedly after age 55, and is quite low after age 65.
Aging of the population will thus lead to a reduced growth of the labour
force and a proportionally smaller workforce. But as the majority of older
adults can still work productively, it becomes increasingly important that
older workers who wish to do so can remain part of the labour force.
The aging of the workforce is taking place as Canada is shifting to a
knowledge-based economy, where a constant renewal of skills is necessary to
keep up with rapid changes in knowledge, technology and information.
While numerous studies have shown that there is no significant difference
in the job performance of older and younger workers, older workers
participate less than younger workers in job-related education and training.
Adjustment problems are particularly acute for older workers with low skills.
For example, older workers with low education or literacy levels are at
higher risk of lay-offs, and have greater difficulty in finding new work.
In response to such challenges and in partnership with provincial and
territorial governments, the federal government is funding pilot projects
to test innovative approaches that help older workers to remain employed
or be reintegrated into the labour force. As well, the federal government has
developed a skills and learning agenda with the aim of maintaining and
enhancing a skilled workforce, and of ensuring that Canadians have opportunities for lifelong learning. For many older workers and seniors wishing
to remain active in the labour force, updating skills or learning new skills
will be crucial in finding and retaining employment. In addition, recognition of the skills that older Canadians have acquired through a lifetime of
training and experience could allow employers to see that these workers often
do meet their staffing requirements.
25
Canada's Aging Population
Health
Healthy aging/healthy human development
Healthy aging can be described as a lifelong process of maximizing
opportunities for maintaining and preserving health, physical and mental
well-being, independence and quality of life. Multiple factors influence
healthy aging, including adequate income, education, appropriate housing,
satisfying relationships, and safe environments.
Older Canadians have the potential to improve their health and well-being
as many aging-related diseases are preventable and frailty can be minimized.
These facts are key elements in the attention given to healthy aging. The
challenge for Canada is to develop the most effective strategies to expand the
disability-free years of life, to reduce the occurrence of chronic diseases and
disabilities, and to improve the health of seniors.
Linked to the concept of healthy aging is the model of healthy human
development which posits that ongoing human development is not age-based
nor dependent on the absence of illness or disease. It also recognizes that
there are surrounding environmental conditions which support or hinder
the chances of meeting development challenges throughout one’s life.
The federal government, through Health Canada, is working with provinces,
territories, non-governmental organizations, institutions, and professional associations to address a wide range of issues relevant to healthy aging and healthy
human development in later life. Support has been provided for community
capacity-building, public health surveillance, research, public awareness, and
professional education in aging-related areas such as heart health, cancer control,
physical activity, and elder abuse. Mental health is an often neglected aspect of
seniors’ issues. The two most common mental health problems encountered by
seniors are cognitive impairment, including dementia, and depression. Health
Canada supports model development for effective mental health interventions for
seniors; it is also supporting a major research initiative on cognitive impairment.
Health Canada has produced and widely disseminated user-friendly
documents such as Canada’s Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active
Living for Older Adults and The Safe Living Guide: A Guide to Home
Safety for Seniors.
26
Canada's Aging Population
In recent years, the federal government has also launched two major initiatives.
Through the Canadian Diabetes Strategy, the federal government is working
with a wide range of stakeholders to address the serious impacts of diabetes on
an increasing number of Canadians, especially seniors. Meanwhile, two federal
departments, Veterans Affairs Canada and Health Canada have partnered on the
community-based Falls Prevention Initiative to help identify effective falls prevention strategies for veterans and seniors.
In the area of aging-related standards, Health Canada is participating in
the development of the Canadian Standards Association guidelines which
provide guidance on designing products, services and environments suitable
for seniors and people whose abilities are affected by aging.
Health care system in Canada
Canada has a predominantly publicly-financed, privately-delivered health
care system based on an interlocking set of provincial and territorial
health insurance plans. Known to Canadians as “Medicare”, the system
provides access to universal, comprehensive coverage for medically
necessary hospital, in-patient and out-patient physician services. The
system is referred to as a “national” health insurance system in that all
provincial/territorial hospital and medical insurance plans are linked through
adherence to national principles set at the federal level. The management
and delivery of health services is the responsibility of each province or
territory. The Canada Health Act stipulates the criteria that provincial health
insurance plans must meet to qualify for full federal transfer payments. The
following five criteria are known as the “principles” of Canada’s national
health care system: public administration, comprehensiveness, universality,
accessibility, and portability.
The federal government’s role in health care involves setting and administering national principles or standards for the health care system, assisting in
the financing of provincial health care services through fiscal transfers, and
fulfilling functions for which it is constitutionally responsible such as direct
health service delivery to veterans. The federal government has also taken
on direct health service delivery to First Nations on-reserve. Other federal
government health-related functions include health protection, disease
prevention, and health promotion.
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Canada's Aging Population
In 2000, Canada’s total health expenditure in current dollars was an estimated
$95 billion. Health expenditures for seniors are substantial, representing
43% of total health expenditures in Canada in 2000-01. Health expenditures for seniors increase notably with age; per capita health expenditures
for seniors aged 85 or older were over four times that of seniors aged 65 to
74 in 2000-01. However, between 1980-81 and 2000-01, the increase in the
share of health expenditures for seniors was one third less than the increase
in the proportion of seniors in the overall population.
Starting in the early 1980s, health care spending required increasing portions
of provincial government budgets, prompting measures for restraint and
cost efficiencies in the early 1990s. Recently, both the federal and provincial
governments have been undertaking major systemic reviews of Canada’s
health care system to ensure continued sustainability (e.g. the federallyappointed Romanow Commission).
Through Health Canada, the federal government is active in many healthcare system related initiatives. It is widely recognized that home, community
and long-term care are integral components of the broader continuum of
health care services. Through collaboration with provincial and territorial
governments, other federal departments and key stakeholders, Health
Canada is working to identify and analyse key policy questions concerning
the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of the home, community and long-term care sectors and their role with
respect to health system reform.
The federal government is also addressing
the issues of palliative and end-of-life care.
A Minister with Special Responsibility for
Palliative Care has recently been appointed
and Health Canada has established a
Secretariat on Palliative and End-of-Life
Care to co-ordinate and facilitate the
development of a strategy to improve
end-of-life care for Canadians.
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Canada's Aging Population
Research on the health of seniors
The federal government invests in research to develop the evidence necessary
to address the many issues arising from demographic aging. The Social
Sciences and Humanities Research Council supports research on a variety of
aging-related topics such as changing family structures and roles, ethics in
health care and workforce and productivity. The Canadian Institutes of
Health Research (CIHR) were established in 2000 to create and disseminate
new knowledge to improve the health of Canadians, provide more effective
health services and strengthen the health care system. One of the CIHR's
13 strategic research institutes, the Institute of Aging, is focusing on advancing knowledge with respect to understanding the aging process; promoting
healthy aging; preventing and treating age-related diseases and disabilities;
improving health policies and systems; and understanding the social, cultural
and environmental factors affecting the life and health of older Canadians.
The work of several other CIHR strategic institutes will also yield valuable
knowledge in specific areas of concern such as cancer, circulatory and
respiratory diseases, arthritis, diabetes, health services, population and public
health, and gender and health.
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Canada's Aging Population
Supports to independence and quality of life
Housing
The availability of appropriate and affordable housing is an important factor
to help seniors enjoy good quality housing and opportunities for greater
independence and quality of life. Through its housing agency, the Canada
Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the federal government helps
to improve housing choice and affordability for Canadian seniors through
a combination of social housing contributions, renovation programs and
enabling initiatives.
CMHC provides support to social housing services in partnership with other
levels of government and a variety of housing agencies and sponsor groups.
Approximately 639,000 social housing dwelling units exist across Canada
with approximately 200,000 of these being committed to seniors. Additional
units for seniors are committed under unilateral provincial programs. In
November 2001, the Government of Canada reached an agreement with
the provinces and territories on a framework for a new cost-shared initiative
which will provide affordable housing for Canadians, including seniors.
Through its Canadian Centre for Public-Private Partnerships in Housing,
CMHC also brings together the public and private sectors, not-for-profit
groups and organizations, and private citizens to facilitate the production
of affordable housing without federal government subsidies. Since its inception in 1991, the Centre has facilitated over 200 affordable housing projects
for seniors across Canada.
The federal government also helps to improve housing quality and living
conditions, enabling older Canadians to enjoy greater independence and
quality of life. Through a number of programs, CMHC administers housing
renovation initiatives for low-income Canadians, including low-income
seniors, to help bring substandard housing to minimum health and safety
levels, to make homes accessible to persons with disabilities, and to make
emergency repairs required for the safe occupancy of homes in rural and
remote communities.
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Canada's Aging Population
CMHC also undertakes a broad range of research and information transfer
initiatives related to seniors housing which are designed to encourage innovation in a variety of areas including: community planning; the development
of new types of housing options; new financing options and types of tenure
to improve housing affordability; the implementation of innovative design
concepts and the use of new technology and home adaptations to improve
comfort, safety and security.
The voluntary sector
As they age, seniors generally require higher levels of support to enable them
to preserve their independence. While much of that support takes the form
of help from family and friends, volunteers and community organizations are
also important.
The voluntary sector and the Government of Canada share a long tradition
of joining forces to achieve common goals for the benefit of Canadians, and are
working to strengthen their relationship. The Government of Canada and
Canada’s voluntary sector ratified an Accord in December 2001, which spelled
out the values, principles and commitments that will underlie their future relationship. Also announced was the creation of the Canada Volunteerism Initiative,
a program to strengthen volunteering and to improve the understanding of
volunteering’s impact on Canada’s economic and social well-being. Recent federal
initiatives are evidence that the contribution of volunteers is valued, and that the
relationship with the volunteer sector will continue to grow to better meet the
evolving needs of Canadian communities.
Technology
The growth in older populations is occurring at the same time as an
explosion in technology. Thousands of older adults are discovering the many
benefits of technology. Yet, credited with making life easier, technology has
also created challenges for some as everyday activities such as banking, telephoning, and finding health information may increasingly involve unfamiliar
or different ways of doing things. Access, literacy, cost, design, privacy and
attitudes all play a role in how we choose to use technology.
The federal government is undertaking initiatives to address issues related
to seniors and technologies. For example, the Community Access Program
of Industry Canada provides training to Canadians, including seniors, in
the use of information technologies.
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Canada's Aging Population
Industry Canada also works with government, universities, hospitals, industries and others to find new technologies that can serve seniors. Its Assistive
Devices Industry Office supports businesses that make affordable devices
which help seniors and people with disabilities live more independently.
Information
The federal government has made a commitment to have all of its services
available through the Internet by 2004. To deliver on this commitment, the
Government launched Government On-Line. One of the projects emanating
from this initiative is called Seniors Canada On-Line. This web site is a special portal established to provide seniors, and persons interested in seniors
issues, with easier access to government information. Seniors can find
information they require and/or links to other web sites to find what they
need regarding government programs and services. Seniors can also keep
informed on matters of interest to them by using a toll-free line to access
government information or get person-to-person service using Access Centres
in certain government buildings throughout Canada.
Health Canada provides health information to the general public through the
Canadian Health Network (CHN).11 This is a national, bilingual internetbased health information service whereby visitors can find excellent resources
from health information providers across Canada. It features 26 Health
Centres focused on major health topics and population groups.
Another key federal information resource for seniors is the Seniors Guide to
Federal Programs and Services which is updated regularly and distributed
widely across Canada.
By providing Canadian seniors with clear and accessible information,
the federal government is playing an important role in enabling them
to maintain their health and well-being.
32
Canada's Aging Population
Aboriginal seniors
The hardships experienced by Aboriginal people in Canada are well documented. In the case of Aboriginal seniors, inadequate income, substandard
housing conditions, and an elevated rate of disabilities are just some of the
common factors that threaten health and well-being.
Canada continues to work towards improving the socio-economic and health
status of Aboriginal people. In 1998, Canada unveiled Gathering Strength –
Canada’s Aboriginal Action Plan, a fully integrated, long-term, governmentwide strategy designed to improve the quality of life for Aboriginal people
and promote self-sufficiency. The federal government has also expressed its
commitment to working to ensure that basic needs are met for jobs, health,
education, housing and infrastructure in Aboriginal communities.
The federal government has also made significant investments to improve the
health of First Nations and Inuit. Recent programs likely to benefit
First Nations and Inuit seniors include the First Nations and Inuit Home
and Community Care Program. The Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative will
address some of the prevention and treatment needs of First Nations,
Inuit and Metis seniors. In addition, the Non-Insured Health Benefits
Program provides access, with some restrictions, to vision care, dental
care, prescription drugs and medical supplies and equipment to
First Nations and Inuit people regardless of where they live
in Canada.
33
Canada's Aging Population
Veterans
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) offers programs which enhance the
autonomy and quality of life of veterans and their families. For example,
VAC provides health care and home support programs, disability pensions
and income support, allowances to compensate caregivers, health promotion
services, advocacy services and commemoration services to honour the
achievements and sacrifices of Canadians during war and conflict.
Through services such as counselling, assessment and care planning, VAC
ensures that clients and their families receive a continuum of care based
on viable, community-based social support networks. VAC also supports the
health and well-being of eligible clients through comprehensive health care
programs and services which include health promotion initiatives, treatment
benefits, medical and nursing services. For example, the Veterans
Independence Program offers a number of valuable home support care
services targeted to meeting the specific needs of an aging client and his
or her caregiver.
The financial needs of Canadian veterans are also addressed by the federal government. The War Veterans Allowance (WVA), an income-tested program, ensures
that Canadians who have served in wartime receive a monthly income to meet
their basic needs. Widow(er)s and orphans may also qualify. WVA recipients can
also receive funding to meet emergency needs that threaten their health and safety.
As well, eligible veterans receive pensions to compensate them for service-related
disabilities. The Veterans Review and Appeal Board provides clients with full
opportunity to request review and appeal hearings to ensure a fair adjudicative
process for disability pension and war veterans allowance claims.
The number of Canadian war service veterans is declining. However, as they
reach their eighties and nineties, many of them will require enhanced health care
services. At the same time, the overall number of Canadian Forces (CF) veterans
and still-serving pensioners is increasing and by 2005, widow(er)s of war veterans
will form the majority of clients accessing VAC benefits or services. These client
groups are generally younger and require a more diverse range of services. The
federal government is responding by developing service improvement options and
by engaging veterans and retired personnel in program enhancement initiatives
and new program development.
34
Canada's Aging Population
Conclusion
In recent decades the federal government has made important contributions
to improving the health of seniors, maintaining financial security in later life,
reducing the proportion of seniors with low income, reducing disparities among
vulnerable populations, supporting the voluntary sector, enhancing supports to
independence in areas such as housing, and fostering lifelong learning. Building
on these efforts will be the key to successfully addressing future challenges.
Aging is not an issue to be addressed through a single, confined approach or
solution but rather a multi-faceted one presenting challenges in a number of
public policy areas. Nor is aging simply about older Canadians; it is an issue
that affects all generations as the demographic structure of the population
changes. All levels of government and all sectors of society will need to work
in partnership to respond to the challenges of an aging Canadian society. The
federal government will continue to play an important role in addressing the
challenges of an aging population in a comprehensive, collaborative and inclusive
manner, for the benefit of present and future Canadians.
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Canada's Aging Population
End Notes
1 Kinsella, Kevin and Velkoff, Victoria A. An aging world: 2001. U.S.
Census Bureau, Series P95/01-1. Washington: U.S. Government Printing
Office, 2001.
2 First Nations and Inuit Regional Longitudinal Health Survey National
Steering Committee (Canada). First Nations and Inuit regional health survey: national report 1999. St. Regis, Qc: First Nations and Inuit Regional
Health Survey National Steering Committee, 1999.
3 Moyer, Alwyn et al. Falls in later life. Community Health Research Unit
Publication # M98-2. Ottawa: University of Ottawa, 1998.
4 Hygeia Group. The economic burden of unintentional injury in Canada.
s.l.: SMARTRISK, 1998.
5 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. Ageing and
income: financial resources and retirement in 9 OECD countries. Paris:
OECD, 2001.
6 Robb, R. et al. Valuation of unpaid help by seniors in Canada: An empirical analysis. IESOP research paper no. 27. Paper prepared for the
Program for Research on the Independence and Economic Security of the
Older Population, McMaster University, December 1997.
7 Keating, Norah et al. Eldercare in Canada: context, content and consequences. Cat. no. 89-570-XPE. Ottawa: Statistics Canada, 1999.
8 Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors (Canada).
Principles of the National Framework on Aging: a policy guide. Ottawa:
Health Canada, Division of Aging and Seniors, 1998.
9 Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors. – The
Canadian Seniors Policies and Programs Database [online]. – [Cited
January 28, 2002]. -- Access: <http://www.sppd.gc.ca>
10 Denton, Frank T. and Spencer, Byron G. Economic costs of an aging population. IESOP Research Paper no. 32. Hamilton, Ontario: McMaster
University, December 1998; and
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, op. cit.
11 Canadian Health Network. About CHN [online]. – [Cited January 30,
2002]. -- Access:
<http://www.canadian-health-network.ca/customtools/about.asp>
36
Canada's Aging Population
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Census Bureau, Series P95/01-1. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government
Printing Office, 2001.
• Lindsay, Colin. Canada’s seniors: statistical snapshots of Canada’s seniors.
Ottawa: Health Canada, Division of Aging and Seniors, 2000.
• Lindsay, Colin. A portrait of seniors in Canada. 3rd ed. Cat. no. 89-519XPE. Ottawa: Statistics Canada, 1999.
• Moyer, Alwyn et al. Falls in later life. Community Health Research Unit
Publication # M98-2. Ottawa: University of Ottawa, 1998.
• National Advisory Council on Aging (Canada). Intergovernmental relations and the aging of the population: challenges facing Canada. Ottawa:
the Council, 1991.
• Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. Ageing and
income: financial resources and retirement in nine OECD countries. Paris:
OECD, 2001.
• Pollock, Allan. Aging as a health care cost driver. Health Policy Research
Bulletin. Vol. 1, no.1, 2001: 10-12.
• Robb, R. et al. Valuation of unpaid help by seniors in Canada: an empirical analysis. IESOP Research Paper no. 27. Hamilton, Ontario:
McMaster University, December 1997.
• Statistics Canada. Labour force historical review: 2000. CD-ROM.
Cat. no. 71F0004XCB. Ottawa: Statistics Canada, February 2001.
• Statistics Canada. – Life expectancy at birth [online]. – [Cited January
29, 2002]. -- Access:
<http://www.statcan.ca/english/Pgdb/People/Health/health26.htm>
• Statistics Canada. – Population by age group [online]. – [Cited January
29, 2002]. -- Access:
<http://www.statcan.ca/english/Pgdb/People/Population/demo31a.htm>
• Statistics Canada. – Population of census metropolitan areas [online].
– [Cited January 29, 2002]. -- Access:
<http://www.statcan.ca/english/Pgdb/People/Population/demo05.htm>
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Canada's Aging Population
• Statistics Canada. – Population projections for 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016,
2021 and 2026, July 1 [online]. – [Cited January 29, 2002]. -- Access:
<http://www.statcan.ca/english/Pgdb/People/Population/demo23a.htm>
• Statistics Canada. Survey of financial security: private pension savings.
Cat. no. 11-001E. The Daily. December 14, 2001: 2-8.
• Statistics Canada. – Visible minority population by age, 1996 Census
[online]. – [Cited January 30, 2002]. -- Access:
<http://www.statcan.ca:80/english/Pgdb/People/Population/demo41.htm>
• Statistics Canada and Canadian Institute for Health Information. –
Health indicators [online]. – Vol. 2001, no. 3, December 2001. Cat. no.
82-221-XIE. – [Cited January 30, 2002]. -- Access:
<http://www.statcan.ca:80/english/freepub/82-221-XIE/01201/toc.htm>
• Verma, Ravi B.P. et al. Fertility projections for Canada, provinces and territories 1993-2016. Cat. no. 91F0015MPE. Ottawa: Statistics Canada,
1996.
• Veterans Affairs Canada. Veterans Affairs Canada performance report for
the period ending March 31, 2001. Ottawa: Public Works and
Government Services Canada. Canadian Government Publishing, 2001.
• Veterans Affairs Canada. Veterans Affairs Canada five-year strategic plan
2001-2006. Ottawa: Veterans Affairs Canada, 2001.
• Voluntary Sector Initiative (Canada). – About the VSI [online]. –
Updated December 17, 2001. – [Cited January 30, 2002]. -- Access:
<http://www.vsi-isbc.ca/eng/about.cfm>
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Canada's Aging Population
Appendix 1
Sources for the graphs
Chart 1:
Lindsay, Colin. A portrait of seniors in Canada. 3rd ed.
Cat. no. 89-519-XPE. Ottawa: Statistics Canada, 1999.
Statistics Canada. – Population by age groups. [online]. – Revised February
11, 2002 [Cited February 11, 2002]. -- Access:
<http://www.statcan.ca/english/Pgdb/People/Population/demo31a.htm>
Statistics Canada. – Population projections for 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016, 2021
and 2026, July 1. [online]. – [Cited February 11, 2002]. -- Access:
<http://www.statcan.ca/english/Pgdb/People/Population/demo23b.htm>
Chart 2:
Statistics Canada. Population projections for Canada, provinces and territories,
2000 to 2026. CD-ROM. Cat. no. 91-520-XPB. Ottawa: Statistics
Canada, 2001. With data from projection 2: medium-growth scenario.
Chart 3:
Desjardins, Bertrand and Dumas, Jean. Current demographic analysis: population ageing and the elderly. Cat. no. 91-533E. Ottawa: Statistics Canada,
1993.
Novak, Mark. Aging and society: a Canadian perspective. 3rd ed.
Scarborough, ON: ITP Nelson, 1997.
Charts 4 and 5:
Lindsay, Colin. – Statistical snapshots of Canada's seniors: no. 3: many seniors
in all provinces [online]. Updated September 30, 2001. – [Cited February
12, 2002]. -- Access:
<http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/seniors-aines/pubs/factoids_2001/no03_e.htm>
Statistics Canada. Population projections for Canada, provinces and territories,
2000 to 2026. CD-ROM. Cat. no. 91-520-XPB. Ottawa: Statistics
Canada, 2001. With data from projection 2: medium-growth scenario.
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Canada's Aging Population
Charts 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10:
Lindsay, Colin. A portrait of seniors in Canada. 3rd ed. Cat. no. 89-519XPE. Ottawa: Statistics Canada, 1999. Respectively p. 73, 68, 74, 79 and
106.
Chart 11:
Statistics Canada. – Low income after tax [online]. August 25, 1999. –
[Cited February 12, 2002]. – Cat. No. 13-592-X1B. -- Access:
<http://www.statcan.ca/english/IPS/Data/13-592-X1B.htm>
Statistics Canada. Income in Canada. Cat. no. 75-202-XPE. Ottawa:
Statistics Canada, 2001.
Chart 12:
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. Maintaining
prosperity in an ageing society. Paris: OECD, 1998. p. 119.
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Canada's Aging Population
Appendix 2
Federal resources on aging and seniors
Publications and Reports
from Health Canada:
• Canada’s seniors: statistical snapshots of Canada’s seniors.
• 2001 seniors guide to federal programs and services.
Cat. no. H88-3/3-2001E.
• Principles of the National Framework on Aging: a policy guide.
Cat. no. H88-3/21-1998E.
• Canada’s health care system. Cat. no. H39-502/1999.
from Human Resources Development Canada:
• Canada’s retirement income systems: what’s in it for you.
Cat. no. ISPB-319-03-01E.
from Statistics Canada:
• Lindsay, Colin. A portrait of seniors in Canada. 3rd ed. Ottawa: Statistics
Canada, 1999. Cat. no. 89-519-XPE.
Internet Sites
Canadian Health Network www.canadian-health-network.ca
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca
Government of Canada www.canada.gc.ca
Health Canada www.hc-sc.gc.ca
Health Canada’s Division of Aging
and Seniors www.hc-sc.gc.ca/seniors-aines/
Human Resources Development Canada www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca
Seniors Canada On-line www.seniors.gc.ca
Seniors Policies and Programs Database www.sppd.gc.ca
Statistics Canada www.statcan.ca
Veterans Affairs Canada www.vac-acc.gc.ca
Other Sources of Information
O-Canada toll-free telephone service
1-800-O-CANADA (TTY: 1-800-465-7735)
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